Fisher

An assessment of population growth drivers in Fisher reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Fisher's population was approximately 3,219 people according to the 2021 Census. By November 2025, this had increased to around 3,320, reflecting a growth of 101 people (3.1%). This increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 3,310 in June 2024 and the validation of 11 new addresses since the Census date. The population density in Fisher was approximately 2,101 persons per square kilometer as of November 2025, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. This growth rate exceeded that of the broader SA3 area (0.5%), positioning Fisher as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also using 2022 as the base year. Looking ahead, population projections anticipate lower quartile growth for national areas, with Fisher expected to increase by 2 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decrease of 0.2% in total over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Fisher according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Fisher has recorded approximately five residential properties granted approval annually since FY-21. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), 28 homes were approved, with one additional home approved so far in FY-26.

On average, this results in around 7.1 new residents per year for every home built during these years. This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically exerting upward pressure on prices and intensifying competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new properties is $245,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Fisher has roughly three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks in the 17th percentile of areas assessed, indicating limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties.

This can be attributed to the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity in Fisher consists of 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 83.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With approximately 1929 people per approval, Fisher demonstrates characteristics of a mature, established area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, it may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Fisher has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that may affect this region. Notable initiatives include Athllon Drive Duplication, The Hunter, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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Employment performance in Fisher has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Fisher has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 4.4%, showing relative stability over the past year. As of September 2025, 1,669 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation is lower at 67.2% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, a low 12.9% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors.

Retail trade has limited presence with 4.9% employment compared to the regional average of 6.6%. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.1% while labour force grew by 0.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Fisher's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. Fisher SA2 had median taxpayer income of $70,595 and average income of $82,196, among the highest in Australia. This compares to ACT's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $77,132 (median) and $89,807 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows Fisher's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 82nd and 91st percentiles. Income brackets indicate 25.9% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, mirroring surrounding regions. Notably, 39.1% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Fisher's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Fisher is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Fisher's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.8% houses and 17.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Fisher stood at 39.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.0% and rented ones at 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,354, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Fisher was $415, compared to the national figure of $375.

Fisher has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 70.5% of all households, including 34.4% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 27.6% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

Fisher shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Fisher, residents aged 15+ with university qualifications comprise 43.3%, exceeding the national average of 30.4%. This high level of educational attainment indicates a strong position for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.0% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 14.8%.

Educational participation is notably high in Fisher, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Fisher has 15 active public transport stops, all providing bus services. These stops are served by 59 different routes, offering a total of 3676 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest stop is 197 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility. As a mainly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 89%, with buses used by 6%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 525 trips per day, equating to approximately 245 weekly trips per stop.

Fisher's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data for Fisher residents shows positive outcomes overall. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Private health cover is exceptionally high, with approximately 60% of the total population (1,988 people) having it, compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.0 and 8.5% of residents respectively. 67.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (631 people), higher than the 14.1% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Fisher was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Fisher's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 23.3% born overseas and 16.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.1%. Hinduism was overrepresented at 2.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 4.8%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (25.9%), Australian (24.9%), and Irish (9.8%). Hungarian (0.5% vs regional 0.3%), French (0.8% vs 0.5%), and Croatian (1.0% vs 0.9%) ethnicities showed notable overrepresentation in Fisher.

Fisher's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Fisher is 40 years, which exceeds the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 years and is slightly higher than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Fisher has a larger proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 9.4% to 10.7%, while the proportion of those aged 75-84 has risen from 7.7% to 8.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has decreased from 8.9% to 7.2%. By 2041, Fisher's age composition is expected to change significantly. The population aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 58%, reaching 149 people from the current 94. This growth will be driven by an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 67% of the projected population growth. However, declines are projected for the populations aged 45-54 and 5-14 years.